R50/53 So... who is planning to keep their 1st gen MINI literally forever?
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 776
Likes: 2
I just wanted to make a comment about this thread, which I find to be rather special. It just seems as though so many folks are either always striving to find something "newer" or "better," and they are never satisfied. Then there are those who take for granted their cars, no matter what badge they may wear. The thing about this thread, and each and every one of you, is that it is one of the few "places" (virtual or real) that I find genuine gratitude and appreciation, and it is so refreshing!
Whenever I open my e-mail and see that there is a new posting on this thread, I immediately hit the link. I think you're all good people, and I bet you are pretty happy in your lives, day in and out. I'm not only thankful for my MINI, but I'm grateful that people like you all exist.
Just wanted to mention that.
Whenever I open my e-mail and see that there is a new posting on this thread, I immediately hit the link. I think you're all good people, and I bet you are pretty happy in your lives, day in and out. I'm not only thankful for my MINI, but I'm grateful that people like you all exist.
Just wanted to mention that.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 43
From: Tampa Bay, FL
Originally Posted by mackpupp1
I just wanted to make a comment about this thread, which I find to be rather special. It just seems as though so many folks are either always striving to find something "newer" or "better," and they are never satisfied. Then there are those who take for granted their cars, no matter what badge they may wear. The thing about this thread, and each and every one of you, is that it is one of the few "places" (virtual or real) that I find genuine gratitude and appreciation, and it is so refreshing!
Whenever I open my e-mail and see that there is a new posting on this thread, I immediately hit the link. I think you're all good people, and I bet you are pretty happy in your lives, day in and out. I'm not only thankful for my MINI, but I'm grateful that people like you all exist.
Just wanted to mention that.
Whenever I open my e-mail and see that there is a new posting on this thread, I immediately hit the link. I think you're all good people, and I bet you are pretty happy in your lives, day in and out. I'm not only thankful for my MINI, but I'm grateful that people like you all exist.
Just wanted to mention that.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Olney, MD
unfortunately my 04 JustACooper (Indi) CVT was on its last leg back in july, and on the brink of death, along with several other issues, so i decided it was time to say a sad goodbye to my first car and move on. I got a 2010 MCS (his name is Stickers), and i definately plan to keep this one until the very end!! ive had it for about four months now and hes at about 6500 miles and doin great!!! i look forward to the many adventures well have in the future!!
last goodbye to Indi! we had some great trips, and its been a blast! u'll be missed! <3
Here is Stickers at the DCMM MINIs take the Beltway Drive to benefit the wounded warriors foundation! Yes, I've already start to mod his look a lil, and the there are more mods to come!!
last goodbye to Indi! we had some great trips, and its been a blast! u'll be missed! <3
Here is Stickers at the DCMM MINIs take the Beltway Drive to benefit the wounded warriors foundation! Yes, I've already start to mod his look a lil, and the there are more mods to come!!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
i just turned 100100 miles on my 04 MSC. I still love it! Always looking for something to do to it whether its asthetics or go fast parts. I plan on hanging on to it for my twins daughters when they go to high school, they are in junior high right now. But my wife who is 5' tall takes it from me during the week and gives it up only when its time to wash it. Oh well, i do love it when i sneak it out.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Berea, KY
I used to spend a lot of time and money trading every year or two, but since I bought my '04 MC, I don't have the desire to trade anymore. After owning it for 4 years and racking up 180K miles, it still is reliable, fun to drive and makes me smile when I see it in the parking lot. I can't wait to hit 200K and see how far it goes before I have to replace anything major. Still more fun and cheaper than trading!
I was sure I was going to keep my '03 Justa, but this past summer I decided to trade her in for a younger model (though still a Justa). I went for an automatic with the paddle shifters and I love her.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 2
From: Chester VA
Plan on keeping BUG ETER for as long as I am breathing a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other assorted gases. I have a few items to take care of on him; i.e. replacing headliner, and doing a few mods, but i have thouroughly enjoyed my time with my 03 DS/W MCS .
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Ct.-
Plans were originally for me to keep the 03, and add in the new coupe for her to use.. Idea was to rocket out the 03, and the fact it gets better mileage than my 1 ton ram... Just traded in the ram for a new hemi ram... still not mini mileage, and the 03 is literally falling apart... Would have to get a new motor, tranny, and lots of little pieces... Still debating on keeping it though... Has 150k on it now...
Anyone have a good line on replacement motors or tranny?... Or is there another motor option that will fit in our 03?... Drop me a pm! :-)
Still like how nice it rides though with 150k on it...
Anyone have a good line on replacement motors or tranny?... Or is there another motor option that will fit in our 03?... Drop me a pm! :-)
Still like how nice it rides though with 150k on it...
For over 45 years I have had the privilage to own & drive some of the finest automobiles from England, Germany, Italy and the US. Healey 3000, Alfa Romeo GTV 2000, BMW 2002, Corvettes, Jensen Interceptor, Maserati Bora,
Maserati 3500, Porsche 911, etc. All of them were wonderful in their own way. "Merlin" is in a class by himself. The joy of driving is back in my life. I'm sure that when I pass my wife will carry on with "Merlin".
Maserati 3500, Porsche 911, etc. All of them were wonderful in their own way. "Merlin" is in a class by himself. The joy of driving is back in my life. I'm sure that when I pass my wife will carry on with "Merlin".
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
As long as the stock problems I encounter keeps on being minor, I plan to keep the car until 200K. I have 80K so far and with my 100 mile commute to work each day, the miles are piling up
I've only had the following issues:
1)Faulty Thermostat
2)Crack Windshield
3)Stuck Driver seat on recline position
This forum has help me through all those issues. Thanks Guys!
I've only had the following issues:
1)Faulty Thermostat
2)Crack Windshield
3)Stuck Driver seat on recline position
This forum has help me through all those issues. Thanks Guys!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,163
Likes: 399
Plans were originally for me to keep the 03, and add in the new coupe for her to use.. Idea was to rocket out the 03, and the fact it gets better mileage than my 1 ton ram... Just traded in the ram for a new hemi ram... still not mini mileage, and the 03 is literally falling apart... Would have to get a new motor, tranny, and lots of little pieces... Still debating on keeping it though... Has 150k on it now...
Anyone have a good line on replacement motors or tranny?... Or is there another motor option that will fit in our 03?... Drop me a pm! :-)
Still like how nice it rides though with 150k on it...
Anyone have a good line on replacement motors or tranny?... Or is there another motor option that will fit in our 03?... Drop me a pm! :-)
Still like how nice it rides though with 150k on it...
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno, Ca.
definitely keeping my '06 MCS!!
Given the current economic climate, I have pretty much decided to literally keep my rock solid '05 MCS running until "The wheels fall off". I simply love this car and given the precarious state of our national economy, I think more people will hold on to their rides for a longer period of time.
My R53 is fully paid off. With only 48K miles on the clock, this car has plenty of service life ahead of it.
Anyone else holding onto their 1st gen MINI for years and decades to come?
My R53 is fully paid off. With only 48K miles on the clock, this car has plenty of service life ahead of it.
Anyone else holding onto their 1st gen MINI for years and decades to come?
Last edited by hooch504; Jan 1, 2011 at 10:06 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: PA/NJ
Jerseygirl plans to keep her '03 MCS forever... although the car occasionally does frustrate her... like right now, the Xenons are acting a bit wonky. We have been considering an additional car so as to retire the '03 for daily driver duty. The tough part is nothing else out there really excites her the way the R53 did... Maybe a Clubman... but otherwise... eh...
The '07 Cooper Sidewalk, on the other hand... who knows... it could become the DD... or maybe not... I've used it as a DD from time to time when my primary car was up for service, so I do think it would work well.
The '07 Cooper Sidewalk, on the other hand... who knows... it could become the DD... or maybe not... I've used it as a DD from time to time when my primary car was up for service, so I do think it would work well.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno, Ca.
Congratulations!
Welcome to the club, sassiegyrl.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis Md
Ya know it's kinda awesome to read the posts on this thread and the excitement that is being felt for these awesome (but sometimes troublesome cars for some)still love their "little Minis"regardless and have even turned around and bought another....
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Rye, NY
I bought my 03 R53 with 97k miles on the clock, because it looks MINT. I plan on keeping it as long as parts are available! (I might stockpile a few items too). Next I want to get my hands on a 2005 or 2006 JCW. I've only owned mine for 1 week, and though I've owned many cars before, this one "feels" special. LOL! I spent > $3800 in mods on a BMW E30 coupe, just to get it to feel right on the road. My MINI rolled off the dealer pre-owned lot and feels just as good, if not better, and is 100% stock. LOL
I'm keeping this R53 4-EVER!!
I'm keeping this R53 4-EVER!!